Bottle Time

I'll admit, I've been worrying in anticipation of returning to work and breastfeeding at the same time. How would I possibly pump enough supply for the times I'd be working? I thought it may be easier to give up and resort to the organic formula we made for Kennedy, but quickly realized that would just be plain STUPID. Breastfeeding has been PERFECT from the moment she was born. It's the best thing for her and it's free too! ...why would I want to stop that?! A few friends encouraged me to keep going as well. I didn't REALLY consider stopping, but the thought certainly crossed my mind. Then yesterday, after talking with a few co-workers, I knew I needed to introduce the bottle now so she can get used to it before I go back to work in October. Well... she did AWESOME!!! At first she just chewed the nipple and looked at me like I was nuts. After about a minute and a half, she sucked on it and realized she was getting something out of this foreign object. She finished 2oz quickly. I burped her and returned with another 2oz ten minutes later. She literally gagged on it. What was different?? I noticed this bag of milk was much more yellow in color and was from the very first time I pumped. Maybe it tasted different because it had the remnants of colostrum in it? Either way, I wasn't discouraged. Today, I fed her a second bottle. It was almost 5oz. I pump this much every time and figured this must be what she eats, right? Wrong. She ate close to 4oz and the rest went down the drain. WASTED LIQUID GOLD! At least it can be replaced at no cost. ;) From now on, she'll be getting at least one bottle each day so she doesn't forget.

HUGE victory for me... and Presley. It's time to start praying the rest of my worries away! Now we just have to conquer going down for bed/nap on her own and self-soothing with a pacifier. Stay tuned.

The Girls

I am TERRIBLE at keeping up with this blog! I suppose having a newborn attributes to that.

Presley is a little over one month old and boy, time is flying by! On one hand, it feels like she's been here for MONTHS, but on the other, it's moving along quickly. She still seems to be a gassy baby. Her tummy aches come and go, but usually hit in the late evening about every other day. It's so hard to see her in pain and know that I've tried everything to make her feel better - and nothing seems to work. I noticed early on that my boobs seems to comfort her though. Obviously they are used to nourish my child, but it's cool to see how comforting they are when she's in pain. The only downfall? My nipples feel like they are going to fall off by the end of the night. I wish I could get her to take a pacifier! It can be frustrating... I can be completely exhausted... but I quickly realize that 'this too shall pass'. I'm never frustrated with her, only the situation and the fact that I can't make it go away. Poor girl. But all-in-all, she is a SUPER EASY baby. Since day eight, she has only woken up once at night to feed. YAY FOR ME! She is such a little cuddle bug too. (My favorite.) I will admit that this stage is certainly my least favorite, but I'm still enjoying every minute of it. I cannot WAIT until she smiles on command. I was talking to her yesterday and I thought I got a half smile out of her. I was elated! I'm loving that she's focusing so much on things too, especially faces. She's such a little peanut!

Kennedy is an amazing big sister, by the way. She hugs and kisses her all the time and when she is around her friends, she 'shows' her off. It's very endearing. Often times, I find her down on Presley's activity mat with her, talking to her or reading to her. It melts my heart. Not only is she my little helper, but she really is a proud big sister. The other day I thought to myself, I LOVE saying 'the girls' whenever I reference our children. I'm still in awe that we have TWO kids! I'm so thankful for these two little blessings. I can't imagine life without them!!

Adjusting

Life has been very different for us the last eight days. We brought home Presley after only one day in the hospital. I felt great and decided I wanted to be in the comfort of my own home. It's been so wonderful ever since. Kennedy has taken her role as the big sister very seriously and is there to comfort and love all over her. I noticed that she also has become protective of her. If Presley is sleeping, Kennedy is the first to make sure she can breath easy and is safe. Well obviously Jon and I make sure she's good too, but it's adorable to see a four year old care so deeply for someone else. Kennedy is also very proud to show her off to everyone. It melts my heart.

Physically I feel GREAT! The fact that I didn't tear really sped up the healing process. At six days postpartum, I had already lost 20 of my 21 pounds gained in the pregnancy. I was pretty impressed! I owe it all to breastfeeding. Speaking of, Presley latched on right after birth and never looked back. She was a PRO right out of the womb. Total praise report, as I didn't have the same experience with Kennedy. My milk came in on day three and hasn't stopped flowing since. My new normal: a nursing tank and breast pads. I'm also still trying to figure out how to time her feedings around running errands. I forgot how tough that is! I can't just pick up and go anymore.

Presley had her six day check up with Dr. Claudia (the doctor who delivered her), and everything looked great! She was very impressed by Presley maintaining her weight and latching so well. I have to say, I'm one thankful Mommy!

Sleeping is optional after you have a baby right?! The truth is, I have never been one to sleep a lot, so the transition hasn't been hard at all for me. The only time it's difficult is when Presley is having a hard time passing gas and I can't do much about it. When this occurs, it can take hours for her to calm down. We have had a few nights where she's done great though and felt no discomfort. I get sleep and that makes for one happy mommy!

Jon has off the next two weeks and we're really looking forward to spending family time together. He already has a trip to the Blue Harbor Resort planned and maybe an outing to the zoo and Jump Zone too! Kennedy has been so wonderful, but I still want to make sure she knows that she hasn't been 'replaced' and that we'll always have time for her too. I started crying when I looked at her yesterday and told her I loved her a million times. She looked at me like I was nuts. I had over four fantastic years with her and I started to feel guilty for not taking the time I wanted with her this week. I have to realize that the baby is eight days old and things will increasing get easier. Presley will start sleeping longer and I'll have more free time with Kennedy.

Another thing that makes this time emotional for me is missing my grandma. It's tough knowing that she'll never stop by and hold her, kiss her... spend time with her. I had the BEST times with my grandma and I wanted the same for her and my children too. As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew if she were a girl, I wanted to incorporate grandma's name into the baby's name. Mae is Presley's middle name, which is also my grandma's middle name. They also have the same initials. PMS. Poor girl. But after a friend suggested that name I fell in LOVE with it. Hopefully she won't be teased too much. :)

Life is good and we couldn't be more thankful for everything He has provided us with!!

Presley's Birth Story

Preface

Our daughter Kennedy was not born naturally. In fact, I was induced, because I had hypertension. Contractions were ridiculously painful with Pitocin, so I got the epidural shortly after. I decided that things were going to be different the second time around. I took amazing care of myself while pregnant with Presley and only gained 21 pounds. (I gained 39 with Kennedy and didn't take care of myself at all.) Jon and I took Bradley classes and prepared ourselves for a natural birth. It was the ONLY way I wanted it. I believe those classes, along with the knowledge of my awesome friends, really equipped us for the challenge. I also found the most AMAZING doctor in town who believed and supported everything I wanted. We were ready to have this little girl!


Presley's Birth Story

The last week and a half of this pregnancy were the toughest for me. Physically I felt fine, but the anticipation of her arrival was KILLING me. I went in on August 1st for my 38 week check up. I wasn't going to have her check me, but decided I wanted to know if any progress had been made. I was 2-3cm and 70% effaced. While she was in there, she asked if I wanted my membranes swept. I replied, "Sure?". It HURT, but I knew if this worked, I might have the baby sooner. She was extremely hopeful. I went home and cleaned like a mad woman... just in case baby decided to arrive that night. I had many contractions, most of which were 5-6 minutes apart for quite awhile. I went to bed and they stopped. Then Braxton Hicks contractions were prevalent over the next few days, which did nothing but irritate me. I kept thinking, stop teasing me... either stay in or come out already! Finally by August 6th, after much prayer, I had peace about everything. I knew God's hand was in every single detail of this, and I didn't need to worry at all.

August 11, 2011

I woke up and realized I was still pregnant. It's funny, even with the peace I had, I still woke up every morning and thought, if I stand, will my water break?? Well it didn't. I felt great physically and went to the zoo that morning with Raven, the boys, Amy and Eden. We just finished our lunch when my doctor's MA called me. She wanted to know if I were interested in going in that day, because she had to cancel my appointment a few days prior. I asked her what she could do besides tell me I'm still pregnant. She suggested sweeping my membranes again and I immediately replied, "I'll be right there!". Forty five minutes later, Dr. Claudia told me I was 3cm and 80% effaced. She swept my membranes and exclaimed, "Let's have a baby tonight!!". (I love her.)

I went home and did some last minute things around the house. Around 5pm, I started feeling contractions. Because I had been 'teased' before, Jon, Kennedy and I decided to run to Target for a few things. My contractions started becoming more intense, causing me to stop and lean on something in the aisles. We hurried home and I started logging my contractions in my phone. The were coming anywhere between 2-7 minutes apart. Our plan all along was to go to the hospital when they were consistently four minutes apart, lasting for one minute, for an entire hour. I called Sarahbeth to come over just before 10pm. I breathed through every contraction, mostly done standing up, leaned over the counter and rocking back and forth. It was the most comfortable position I could find. Contractions continued to intensify and were 4-5 minutes apart when I called Dr. Claudia at midnight. She told me we should start making our way to the hospital. I told her we'd meet her at 1am. Brittany came downstairs to sleep on the couch while Kennedy continued to sleep. We all caravanned to Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee. Behind us was Sarahbeth in her van, my mom in her car and Sam in hers (who jumped in line on the freeway). Jon called it my entourage. Contractions were intense the entire 35 minute drive. I started making low-tone noises as I breathed through each one.

August 12, 2011

We arrived at the hospital at 1:15am. I preregistered that morning and Dr. Claudia told them I was on my way, so it was nice to be greeted by name and taken to my room immediately. They had a copy of my birth plan in my chart and knew I didn't want to be checked or continuously monitored right off the bat. Apparently the nurse read over that part and told me she needed 30 minutes of fetal monitoring for my chart. I was irritated, but because she told me I could stand through the contractions, I obliged. Sam acted as my doula and was ready to throw down for me. I told her it wasn't worth it and that I'd give her what she needed. But after a few contractions and baby not cooperating, I told the nurse to take me off the monitors. I knew the baby was fine and explained to her that if it's going to take another three hours to get the 'numbers' she needed, it was unnecessary. She was NOT happy and decided to call my doctor. All of us rolled our eyes when she left the room. What WOULD she do if I couldn't be continuously monitored?! Nurses and their protocol. Boo.

She returned after speaking with Dr. Claudia and told me she wanted the nurse to check me. I hesitated, but thought if that's what doctor wants, I'll do it. I was happy to find out I was at 5cm. I HAD made progress that night. The nurse left the room and went two doors down to set up the birthing tub for me. During this time, I was leaned over a table, rocking back and forth and moaning through each contraction. They started coming closer together and of course, intensifying each time. After 20 long minutes, the tub was ready for me. We walked down the hall and I got in. I remember saying, "NO WONDER WOMEN BIRTH IN WATER! IT'S AMAZING!!". It felt so much better to contract in water. By this time it was about 2:40am. Dr. Claudia and Raven (my cute little photographer) arrived and greeted me. The contractions were on top of each other at this point and I could barely open my eyes. I needed to stay focused. Sam and Sarahbeth were both encouraging me and at one point, holding me up so I didn't have to lean back on the hard plastic tub. Their support, both physically and emotionally was so very appreciated and was just what I needed! Jon stayed back in the shadows, feeling like the girls really had it covered.

At 3:05am (25 minutes later), Dr. Claudia could tell I was in transition by the inflection in my voice and pressure I told her I was feeling. She told me to push a little if my body was telling me to do so. I was scared though! She also asked me if I wanted to reach down and feel the head. I turned down the offer. For some reason, that was too weird for me! She then told us that I was going to have this baby within the next 20 minutes. Because of hospital rules, I was not allowed to birth in the tub. She felt terrible making me get out and onto the bed, but knew she had to follow their rules. Jon said as I was getting out of the tub, he could see Presley crowning! Rather than make me go back to our room, Dr. Claudia told me to get on the bed next to the tub. She calmly called out for the nurses, "We're going to have a baby in here, I need some instruments!" The room wasn't set up for me to give birth because I was supposed to deliver in my original room. It was very dim and the atmosphere relatively calm. Jon was at my head encouraging me as I was on my hands and knees. I felt like pushing a little and heard a pop followed by a rush of water that broke all over the bed/floor. I apologized because I felt bad for getting anyone wet! Everyone laughed and told me not to worry! The girls lifted up the head of the bed and I clutched the top, still on my hands and knees. At 3:13am, I pushed (and was very loud about it) and her head came out. Five seconds later, I pushed again and the rest of her appeared!! The pain was instantly gone and I was elated! I exclaimed, "Is she still a girl?!" Dr. Claudia opened her legs and said, "YES!". I turned onto my back and she put her skin to skin to keep her warm. One nurse was frantic. She didn't have the warmer ready and said the baby was too cold to stay on me. Funny because her temperature was the same as mine: a warm 97 degrees. We decided she was staying on me. Boo ya, nurse Barb.

Dr. Claudia did the exam with her on my chest while Presley was still attached to the placenta. Jon cut the cord when it stopped pulsating. Presley latched on within 20-30 minutes after she was born and nursed on both sides. The entire birthing process was a DREAM. It was everything I had been praying for and MORE. The Lord had His hand in every single detail of the process and I was so overjoyed! All I could do was praise Him and cry. Dr. Claudia then delivered more good news. I didn't tear at all! I exclaimed, "PRAISE GOD!!". I was in awe of Him. I walked down to my original room and took a few pictures with everyone. Everyone left by 5am and Jon and I had this cute little girl to stare at. It was surreal. I had the EXACT labor/delivery I wanted and it felt so good!!


Now that I've experienced two very different birthing processes, I often wonder why women don't do more research when it comes to having a baby. Most hospitals and doctors make it seem like women can't handle child birth without drugs. Because I had Pitocin with Kennedy, I believe it's hard to overcome the medicine and still have a natural birth. But with an unaugmented birth, women CAN get through labor/delivery without medication. Your body knows when to contract, how often it should and how intense they come. It's what our bodies are MADE to do. I chose to take care of myself with this pregnancy because I didn't want to give the doctors any reason to believe I needed to labor before my body was ready to labor. I wanted her to come naturally when she was good and ready. I'm so glad we chose to do the research. I got to find out how easy it really is to give birth naturally. I'm not saying it was pain free, but it was SO BEARABLE!! I learned many techniques that helped me breath through each contraction. Of course I give all credit where credit is due... the Lord helped me through every step of the way. I'm so thankful for Him and thankful for the lovely family he has blessed us with!!

Presley Mae Schultz
August 12, 2011 at 3:13am
7lbs 8oz. 20in long

39 Weeks!

We're so excited to meet this little girl!!!!

38 Weeks!

Yesterday marked my 38th week in this pregnancy. It's been a wonderful pregnancy too! Despite the nausea early on until about the 18th week, there have been no backaches, swelling, blood pressure issues, or numbing. Quite the opposite of my pregnancy with Kennedy, actually. But I also gained 39lbs with her, on TOP of being overweight. I've only gained 15 lbs so far with this little girl and I'm very proud of myself for that. I weigh in on Monday... we'll see if I gained anymore the last week! (It hasn't been my proudest week of eating, let me tell you.)

I started feeling anxious about getting her out about five days ago. Not because I'm uncomfortable, I'm just excited to meet her! And a small part of me would love not having this big belly anymore too... oh and the constant peeing... that would be nice to get rid of as well. ;) I'm also anxious to see what her birth story is going to be like! Will my water break first or will contractions start right away? Morning or night? Short or long labor? We have everything ready for her arrival, now it's just a matter of waiting on the Lord. He knows when she'll be here and how she'll manage her way out of the womb. It's exciting to think about!! But also a tad scary. We're starting over, after four AMAZING years with Kennedy. I hope I remember what to do and how to care for a newborn!

Until then, I will enjoy my nights of uninterrupted sleep. :)

Blessings

On Saturday, my family and friends threw me a baby sprinkle... 'pump'ing me up for baby. They all went in on an amazing Medela breast pump and gave me $150 to spend on whatever else for baby. I had everyone I love surrounding me. We ate, chatted, they gave me advice on breastfeeding (since it didn't work so well for Kennedy) and prayed over me. I'm one blessed mommy. Thank you to all of the amazing women in my life who made me feel so incredibly special. I love you all VERY MUCH! :)

On a side note... I cannot stress how GREAT God is. I was thinking about the things we still needed for the baby and the time off I'd be taking from work... how was it going to work financially? I worried even though I know I'm not supposed to. Then this money from the ladies came in, which was totally unexpected. I did know about the pump, but either way, it really didn't matter to me. Turns out, the girls were even surprised by the love offering I received! -- above and beyond the pump. I thought to myself, this was the Lord showing himself true yet again. He was telling me, listen, I will always take care of my children. And reminding me not to lean on my own understanding. I think our flesh wants to do everything on our own and we forget to lean on HIM! I pray that the Lord would increase my faith daily. Less of me... more of Him.

Thank you again, ladies, for making my night so special. Even the ones who couldn't make it... I love you all!!

The picture above was my seat for the night. I love my friends, they're so awesome :)